Managing pain during labour and birth

Your anaesthetist will discuss with you how pain during and after your surgery may be managed.

A ‘pain team’ including an anaesthetist and midwife will visit you in your room to ensure you are comfortable and are experiencing few or no side effects.

If at any time you are concerned about how your pain is being managed please talk with your midwife and anaesthetist.

Learn about pain relief during labour

There are many non-medical and medical pain relief options available during labour. You can choose one method or a few, or you may wish to change from one to another during labour.

Relaxation during labour

Massage and breathing techniques during pregnancy can help reduce stress during pregnancy and can be an alternative to pain relief medications (drugs) during labour. Learn more about these relaxation techniques.

Trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a safe pain control option during labour for both mother and baby. Although it doesn’t take away pain entirely, you are less likely to report severe pain using this pain relief option.

Read more about TENS.

Pain medications

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a medication used to treat a number of conditions, including mild pain.

This medication can be used while breastfeeding and can be given as a:

• tablet by mouth
• suppository, which is inserted into the rectum or vagina and absorbed into your bloodstream.

Anti-inflammatory medications

Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or diclofenac are used to relieve pain and reduce swelling (inflammation).

They are safe to use but are not suitable for all patients.

This medication can be given as a:

• tablet by mouth
• suppository inserted into the rectum or vagina and absorbed into your bloodstream

If you have questions about the safety of these medications and how they may affect you and or your baby please speak with your:

• midwife
• doctor
• anaesthetist
• our Outpatient Pharmacy.

Epidural anaesthetic

In some cases this medication can be ‘patient-controlled’, which means the patient self-administers small intravenous doses at fixed times. Your doctor and midwife will explain this to you in more detail.

The intravenous tube will be removed when you are able to drink and eat and the epidural is no longer needed.

After the epidural is removed strong oral pain relief medication may be taken.

Learn about managing labour pain with epidural anaesthetic.